fatten up

The phrase "fatten up" can be used both literally, to refer to weight gain, and figuratively, to indicate expansion or increase.

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Definition

B2Health and Nutrition

(transitive, colloquial)To help someone or an animal gain weight by providing more food.

Example

  • The farmer decided to fatten up the pigs before selling them.
  • She tried to fatten up her cat by giving it extra treats.

B2Health and Nutrition

(intransitive, colloquial)To gain weight and become heavier.

Example

  • He started to fatten up after he stopped exercising regularly.
  • The stray dog began to fatten up once it was adopted and fed properly.

C1General

(transitive, figurative)To increase the size or amount of something.

Example

  • The company plans to fatten up its workforce to meet growing demand.
  • We need to fatten up the budget for next year's projects.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "fatten up":

bulk upbulk outgain weightlard upplump upbuff upfatten the curvepork upfluff upfirm uppuff upbeefed outfluff outsugar upbutch upskinny upfat and happytone updarken upsharpen upstock upbuild uplay it on thickbeef outpump uptighten uppork outmeat on one's bonesgussy upeat upvamp upcheese upmuscled upgrease upsoften upsadden upjuice upamp upload up